Bariatric Recipe: Low Fat Gravy

Bariatric Recipe: Low Fat Gravy

Gravy is an essential addition for those who have had bariatric surgery and want to enjoy some holiday turkey or ham, as meats which are dry can make you feel as if you are choking. Here is an easy and low fat gravy recipe for your holiday table.

Thanksgiving Recipes

Ingredients:

One can of Low Fat Cream of Mushroom Soup

One cup of Low Sodium, Fat-Free Broth, choose Beef or Chicken

½ cup of Fat-Free or Skim Milk

Rosemary, Thyme and Black Pepper to season

To make this low fat gravy, combine the first two ingredients in a small saucepan and heat on the medium setting. When the mixture begins to boil, lower the heat to simmer and add the milk, stirring with a whisk. Season and simmer for ten more minutes. Be sure to remove the Rosemary and Thyme before serving.

11 Bariatric Friendly Tips to Taming Holiday Temptations

Taming Holiday Temptations after Bariatric Surgery

November marks the arrival of pumpkin and sweet potato pies, egg nog, homemade breads, and a bevy of other tempting culinary delights that will tempt you on your weight loss surgery. You can follow an approved bariatric diet while spending time with friends and family, celebrating thankfulness this holiday season.

bariatric eating

 

While the average American gains between five and ten pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, this time of year can also sabotage the diets of those who have undergone Lap-Band and Gastric Bypass surgeries. This is especially true for those who are in their second year post bariatric surgery, as they can tolerate larger amounts of food without becoming sick.

You will be glad to know that there are several helpful holiday hints for those who have undergone weight loss surgery to stay on track with weight loss goals. Simple and easy to follow, these tips will keep you on the path to a healthier body and lifestyle.

Don’t leave the house hungry!

Be sure to eat several small and healthy meals daily, never leaving the house hungry. If you are going to be gone for a while, pack a protein bar or shake so you don’t feel starved.

Consume protein first

If you’ve had bariatric surgery, your doctor has already told you to eat your protein rich foods first. The same is true regarding Thanksgiving and Christmas. Since you can only tolerate a small amount of food, start with the turkey or ham, saving favorite side dishes for last.

Avoid alcohol and don’t drink your calorie

Drinking water and zero calorie beverages are ideal choices, even when celebrating. Decaffeinated coffee and tea are also okay when sweetened with sugar substitutes. Don’t be tempted by high calorie egg nog and alcoholic beverages.

Keep sugar free gum on hand

Avoid the urge to snack by chewing sugar-free gum to satisfy your oral fixation. This can help by curbing your appetite and avoiding unnecessary calories.

Remember to chew your food slowly

Chewing your food slowly allows your body to release hormones in the gut to let you know when your stomach is full, which helps to prevent over eating.

Find healthy substitutes to incorporate into your favorite recipes

You can still enjoy several holiday recipes by making small and healthy changes. Opt for half and half instead of heavy cream, and look for fat free and low fat versions of the ingredients normally used. Make your favorite desserts with Equal or Splenda rather than granulated or brown sugar.

When invited to parties, offer to bring healthy platters

Instead of cooking something that is tempting, make a vegetable or fruit tray to bring to the party. You won’t have to go hungry while socializing, and there’s no guilt for eating healthy fare.

Visit with family and friends

As you plan, make the holidays more about visiting and less about food. The holidays are a wonderful time to reconnect with family and friends.

Add exercise and activities to your holiday traditions

Start new traditions centered around exercise rather than eating. Take a stroll in the park for group photos or play a friendly game of touch football you’re your relatives.

Don’t sit near the food

Sit as far away from the buffet or kitchen as you can, putting space between you and those unneeded calories. This will help you avoid the urge to munch thoughtlessly on food when you aren’t really hungry.

Tis the season to give food away

As everyone prepares to leave, pack up some food to send with them. You don’t need holiday leftovers lurking in the kitchen. Other places to donate food include soup kitchens and local homeless shelters.

10 Tips for Celebrating Halloween Post Bariatric Surgery

Celebrating Halloween after Weight Loss Surgery

 

After weight loss surgery, you are starting to see results but with the fall season comes many temptations. This is largely due to the many holiday offerings that begin bariatric halloweenwith the arrival of Halloween.

While it may be a tradition to enjoy delicious Halloween candy throughout the month of October, now is not the time to indulge. Saying no to those sweet little treats and candy bars will keep your weight loss goals on target.

After a lifetime of mindless snacking, it can be difficult to resist temptation but here is a helpful list of ways you can avoid sabotaging your healthy diet and weight loss success.

Buy the candies you hate!

Sure, this may seem difficult but it actually isn’t. Avoid your favorite candies and chocolate, opting for flavors and brands that will not tempt you. Hate coconut? Buy fun-sized Mounds or other coconut filled treat. Love chocolate? Avoid buying any Halloween candy covered with or containing chocolate.

Don’t keep candy sitting around the house!

If purchasing candy and treats is a tradition you cannot escape from, don’t buy it early and store it around your home. Wait until the last possible minute to shop for candy to give away, and avoid filling any dandy dishes or dispensers until it’s time to celebrate.

Look for great alternatives to handing out candy! 

Think of other great things to hand out this Halloween rather than candy. Consider giving away temporary tattoos, stickers, small toys, raisins, cracker and cheese packs, coins, juice boxes for thirsty trick or treaters. These are just a few of the many great items that kids will love.

Celebrate with a support group!

If you don’t have a bariatric support group, invite a few of your health-minded friends over for a party. Choose healthy treats approved for your post bariatric surgery diet.

Go trick or treating with the kids!

While you don’t need the calories that Halloween treats provide, the exercise is great for you! Walk with the kids as they go trick-or-treating and stay in control of your new healthy lifestyle.

Give away over-stocked and left-over candy!

After a night of trick or treating, let the children choose a handful of candy to keep. Donate the rest of your kids’ candy haul to homeless shelters, dentists’ offices, and food kitchens. This keeps candy and chocolate from lying around the house to tempt you.

Keep candy in the freezer!

If you have candy and chocolate sitting around your house after Halloween has passed, gather it all up and stash it in the freezer. Your children will eat fewer pieces at a time, and the candy is less accessible.

Set the date for a candy-free home!

Choose a date in November and mark it on your calendar. This is the day all of the Halloween candy will be removed from your home. The candy-free zone will be conducive to your diet once again.

Don’t deprive yourself on Halloween!

Don’t deprive yourself of an occasional treat or Halloween candy when you have a craving. Try to find healthier options to chase the urge away, but if the craving lingers, have a small bite so you don’t binge later.

Read the label before eating a piece of candy or treat!

Before putting any holiday candies or treats in your mouth, know exactly what the label says regarding calories, sugar, and fat grams. Reading labels can often discourage you from eating something, as you decide if the calories are worth the short term rewards.

 

 

Foods to Avoid after Weight Loss Surgery

Five  Foods to Avoid after Bariatric Surgery

 

Bariatric surgery is not an instant solution to losing weight, as you will still have to make the right food choices. Once your doctor tells you it is okay to eat solid foods, you will not be able to eat anything you like. There are several foods and drinks that you should never consume again. Here are the top four foods to avoid after weight loss surgery.

five foods to avoid after bariatric surgery

Breads, Pasta, Potatoes and Rice

 

Heavy starches such as bread, potatoes, rice, and pasta are no longer comfort foods after weight loss surgery. In fact, attempting to eat from this food group can be quite uncomfortable. These foods can form a paste in the throat, making it difficult to swallow. If this happens, there is a fair amount of discomfort and the food may be rejected.

In a few Bariatric cases, breads, potatoes, rice and pasta have blocked the stoma, which is the entrance to the stomach pouch. It is best to give these high-starch foods up entirely, as avoidance will accelerate your weight loss. If you choose to consume one of these foods, do so rarely and in extremely small portions. Take small bites and eat very slowly, remembering not to drink anything thirty minutes before or after your meal.

 

Dry or Tough Meats

 

No matter what type of food you eat, it is important to chew well, taking your time with each small bite. This ensures that you can easily swallow and digest your meals correctly, which is especially important after Bariatric surgery. Because you will not be drinking beverages or water with your meals, it can become even more difficult to swallow some meats.

Lean meats are ideal for your new diet because you need adequate amounts of protein. Avoid meats with fat or gristle, and meats that are tough or hard to swallow  It is recommended to take bites the size of a pencil eraser, choosing meats with a sauce or gravy rather than dry. Foods to avoid include steak, ham, pork chops, and hot dogs.

Other dry foods will also be difficult to swallow such as nuts, granola and dry cereal. Eat these foods slowly and with great caution after Bariatric surgery. As your body heals, you may find that some of these foods become easier to consume.

 

Caffeinated, Carbonated and Alcoholic Beverages

 

The first advice you will probably hear after weight loss surgery is this: Don’t Drink Your Calories! Bariatric patients must avoid drinking beverages with sugar, fructose or corn syrup such as sodas, energy drinks, and fruit juices.  These high calorie beverages will sabotage your diet and could lead to Dumping Syndrome, which is very uncomfortable.

After Bariatric surgery, you should consume at least 64 ounces of water daily and avoid beverages with carbonation, which can expand your new stomach pouch. Opt for decaffeinated drinks such as coffee or tea since caffeine can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can quickly become an issue with your new smaller stomach.

Alcohol should be avoided, since these high calorie drinks offer no benefit to your body. Focus on drinks that offer the added vitamins and minerals your body needs. It is also important to remember that, after weight loss surgery, you may become intoxicated much more quickly.

 

Fatty, Greasy and High Calorie Foods

 

Fatty, greasy and high calorie foods should be avoided after weight loss surgery, as these may lead to nausea and sabotage your weight loss. Avoid high calorie, high fat foods such as bacon and sausage, butter, bologna, and whole milk.

You should also avoid foods that offer little or no nutritional value such as candy, chips, pastries, popcorn, rice cakes and similar. Consuming the wrong foods can lead to issues such as weight gain or undernourishment. After weight loss surgery, these foods are dumped into the colon soon after they are consumed, causing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, cold sweats and weakness.

 

After Bariatric surgery, you will want to select low-fat deli meats and cheeses. Consuming too many bad food choices can make you feel ill or experience the effects of Dumping Syndrome. Making wise choices will be key in getting the results you deserve.

Fast Food after Bariatric Surgery

Eating fast food is not the ideal choice after having weight loss surgery due to the excessively high calorie options and unhealthy offerings of most menus. Bariatric patients on a low sugar, low fat diet will find that fast food restaurants are not conducive to meeting current weight loss goals. However, there are rare occasions when you will find that a quick fast food meal is necessary.

 

Is Fast Food Okay for the Bariatric Patient?

You will be surprised to learn that, on rare occasions, fast food may help keep you on the path to healthy weight loss. You can easily curb your appetite with a healthy fast food option when you choose wisely. Here are some instances when fast food becomes the Bariatric patient’s friend.

bariatric Fast Food

Starving and Away from Home

After weight loss surgery, your regular eating habits are easily thrown upside down after missing just one meal. There will be times when you will be away from home and unable to buy or prepare a proper meal, one that meets the exact needs of your diet plan. You will become extremely hungry and look for public dining options. Allowing yourself to become exceptionally hungry can be difficult to control, and often leads to overeating.

Once you have allowed yourself to reach the ‘starving’ point, you will be in danger of eating far too much. A good example of this is going to the grocery store without eating first. You will sabotage your budget by buying more food than you would have if you had eaten.

You can avoid reaching this point by purchasing a small sensible meal at a fast food restaurant. It is very important that you choose the healthiest menu options available, avoiding foods that are not advised after weight loss surgery. Many fast food restaurants are beginning to offer yogurt, apple slices and other healthy alternatives, drastically reducing the calorie count for your meal.

Other tips include avoiding the drive-thru window and dining inside so you will eat more slowly, leave off the bun, order grilled food instead of greasy fried options, and avoid carbonated beverages. Water is your best option, consumed thirty minutes before or after your meal.

Reminder of Your Life Changing Decision

Food should never be considered a reward when you are dieting but dining out occasionally can be rather fun. When you choose healthy options at a fast food restaurant, you are reminded of how far you’ve come and how much you’ve changed. As your body becomes accustomed to healthier, more sensible choices, the cravings for fast food will diminish entirely.

After weight loss surgery, many Bariatric patients will decide to remove fast food from their diets entirely. With each new, healthier dining choice made, your attitude and palate also changes. You may find, after a little time has passed, your best-loved fast food menu items have become less satisfying than you recall, describing them as too greasy, too salty and/or too sweet.

Consume Fast Food in Moderation  

It is important to realize that fast food can damage your weight loss goals if consumed on a regular basis. Common sense is required with every meal chosen by those who have undergone weight loss surgery. Fast food is not off limits to Bariatric patients, when eaten in moderation.  If you make seldom visit fast food restaurants and make only smart menu choices, you will continue to meet or exceed your weight loss goals.

Looking for the Best Protein Shake?

Great Low Carb, Low Sugar, High Protein Shake

 

The protein shake is a bariatric patient’s best friend. With so many products on the market, it can be hard to find a protein shake that is truly healthy. Some products will advertise their high protein content but when you look at the label, the sugar content is far too high.

 

Ideally, store bought protein shakes should contain three grams of sugar or less if you are following a pre-op or post-op bariatric diet. It can be confusing and a little overwhelming as you begin your journey to a healthier you. Here are our top six choices for ready to drink protein shakes and drinks.

bariatric protien shake

MET-Rx Protein Plus

Featuring flavors such as Creamy Vanilla, Peanut Butter, Frosty Chocolate, Mocha Blast, Berry Blast, and Cookies & Cream, the Met-Rx Protein Plus ready to drink shakes are the number one choice in regards to overall health benefits. With 51 grams of protein, two grams of sugar, and Metamyosyn packed into 260 calories, this is the powerhouse of all protein shakes.

 

Nature’s Best Zero Carb Isopure

Isopure drinks are completely different than any other protein shake because this product offers 40 grams of protein and zero carbs in only 160 calories. Even better, the taste is awesome and you can choose from any of the following flavors: Coconut, Pineapple Orange Banana, Icy Orange, Grape Frost, Apple Melon, Blue Raspberry, Alpine Punch and Mango Peach.

 

CytoSport Monster Milk

Monster Milk is sugar free but contains 45 grams of premium proteins and five grams of soluble dietary fiber, allowing this delicious shake to make number three on the list. Choose from Banana Creme, Chocolate, Chocolate Mint, Cookies & Crème, and Vanilla Crème, and enjoy the taste of an ultra-rich milkshake with only 130 calories.

 

Muscle Milk Pro

A favorite of many bariatric patients due to easy accessibility (even in convenience stores and gas stations), the Muscle Milk Pro Series has an amazing 40 grams of lean protein and is lactose and gluten free. Available in Intense Vanilla, Knock-Out Chocolate and Mint Chocolate Overload, these delicious shakes have only two grams of sugar.

 

Shakeology

Shakeology offers a nice selection of flavors including Chocolate, Vegan Chocolate, Vanilla, Greenberry, Strawberry and Tropical Strawberry Vegan. These yummy 160 calorie shakes have 17 grams in protein but are a little higher in sugar with six grams. However, Shakeology has more than seventy vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients as well as prebiotics, probiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes.

 

Pure Protein Shakes

Depending on the size and flavor you purchase, Pure Protein Shakes contain 23 to 35 grams of protein, three grams of fiber and one gram of sugar. At only 120 calories, this is a great shake and a great value. Available in Vanilla Cream and Frosty Chocolate, you won’t find any aspartame or added sugars – just lots of great calcium and other great benefits.

 

Hopefully, this list will help you find your personal favorite protein shakes and take some of the guesswork out of reading labels. There are plenty of other great brands suitable as meal replacement shakes for weight loss surgery patients. Please let us know which brand is your personal favorite.

 

Amazing Protein Superfood and Bariatric Recipe

Amazing Protein Superfood and Bariatric Recipe

Pureed Black Bean Soup

When recovering from gastric bypass surgery, you will be limited to pureed foods for several weeks and beans are a great substitute for meat that should be added to your diet. Beans are a miracle food, known to help chronic conditions which include heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Beans are also good for the waist as they provide ingredients that make you feel full much faster than other foods.

Bariatric Protein puree
Bariatric Protein puree

Another reason to choose beans for much needed protein is that it provides the fiber that many of our diets lack. A one half cup of prepared beans, the proper serving at the pureed food phase, contains six grams of fiber whereas pureed meat contains none.

While you are recovering and watching your caloric intake, remember that beans are very low in sugar and high in antioxidants.  This prevents the spiking of insulin and the presence of frequent hunger. In addition, choosing beans over meat will reduce the saturated fats in your diet.

Black Beans, used in the recipe below, contain about three times more Omega-3 fatty acids than other bean types. Not only do black beans have a rich, smoky flavor but they also contain other vital nutrients your body needs such as Molybdenum, Folate, Copper, Manganese, Vitamin B1, Vitamin C, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Iron.

Before, during and after your gastric bypass surgery, your nutritionist, doctor or dietician has stressed the important of having plenty of proteins in your diet. As you go through the recovery phases from liquids to solid foods, proteins should be eaten first as these nutrients are greatly needed. You do not want to fill up on other foods without getting an appropriate serving of proteins. Our pureed Black Bean Soup Recipe will help.

 

Pureed Black Bean Soup

Ingredients:

  • ½ tablespoon of coconut or other healthy cooking oil
  • ½ chopped onion
  • ¼ teaspoon of chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups of water
  • 1/4 cup of low sodium mild salsa
  • 1 teaspoon of lime juice
  • Dash of salt substitute and ground pepper

 

Optional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of reduced-fat or fat free sour cream (optional)

 

Directions:

  • First, heat the oil in a large saucepan on medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook two or three minutes, until onion softens and becomes clear.
  • Add chili powder, cumin and other spices and continue to cook for one minute longer.
  • Add the beans, salsa and water and bring mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to simmer and leave for ten minutes; remove and stir in lime juice.
  • Transfer to a blender and puree before returning the mixture to the saucepan.
  • Serve the pureed bean soup garnished with low fat sour cream if desired.

 

Additional information:

This recipe will yield 2 ½ cups of delicious pureed Black Bean Soup which is approximately four servings after gastric bypass surgery. Because your appetite has decreased dramatically, you may cover and store this soup in your refrigerator for up to three days. This recipe is 95 calories and 2 grams of fat for each half cup serving.

*If you do not normally use spices such as cumin and chili powder, please use sparingly. Taste the soup to make sure your digestive tract does not reject it, which is common when trying new foods after gastric bypass surgery.

Food Precautions after Bariatric Surgery

After bariatric surgery, a special diet is required to assist your body with healing and recovery. At this time, you will find new eating habits through effective meal planning and the assistance of your doctor or dietician. The type of food you choose and the amounts that you consume should be closely monitored to help you lose weight at a healthy pace.

Your new diet should serve several purposes but first of all, your gastric bypass procedure will train you to eat smaller amounts of foods at a much slower pace than before. Your new eating habits will allow your stomach to heal without being stretched and help your body digest foods more effectively.

Following doctor’s orders is the single most effective post-surgery advice to be followed. Your physician will assist you and answer any questions you may have as you move through the four steps of gastric bypass recovery. By step four, which is usually month number three, you will be enjoying more solid foods again.

It is important to pay close attention to your body and recognize signs when you are hungry or full. You may not be able to eat some foods, even if they were once your favorites, as your body may develop certain food intolerances after gastric surgery.

 

Step One: Liquids

After gastric bypass surgery, you will not be allowed to eat for 24-48 hours, depending on your personal situation which has been taken into consideration by your doctor. This is to make sure your stomach has an appropriate time to heal. Before you are released from the hospital, you will be given liquids and very soft foods to ensure that the stomach can effectively accept foods and aid in the digestion process.

These post gastric surgery approved liquids may include any of the following: broth, fat free milk, unsweetened juice, sugar free gelatin, and cream soup which has been strained. Allow yourself to consume only two or three ounces of liquid each time and avoid carbonated beverages. Caffeine should also be avoided.

 

Step Two: Pureed Food

Once your body has grown accustomed to liquid foods without any complications, with your doctor’s consent you may be able to advance to the next step – pureed foods. For the next two to four weeks, you should consume only the foods which could be described as a thick liquid or paste. Avoid spicy foods and most dairy products as your digestive system will still be very sensitive at this time. New foods should be introduced slowly and in very small servings to prevent stomach irritation or nausea.

There should be absolutely no solid pieces and food should be pureed well. Some doctor approved healthy foods that will blend well include the following: lean meat that has been ground up, beans, egg whites, cottage cheese, fish, soft vegetables, fruit, and yogurt. Solid foods will blend well if you add a liquid such as fat free milk, water, sugar free juice, broth and even gravy, as long as it is fat free.

 

Step Three: Soft Food

With the doctor or dietitian’s approval, you will remain on pureed foods for several weeks until it is time to transition to soft food. An easy way to determine whether a food is considered soft is to try mashing it with a fork. If the food mashes easily against a fork, it can be included in your diet.

Much of the same rules apply during this phase as with the previous steps. Do not drink while you are eating; instead, wait until thirty minutes after eating to have a drink. You will feel full very quickly so try to consume as much protein as possible rather than fill up on less healthy foods. This will most likely be your diet for the next eight weeks so look for healthy variations of your favorite foods.

 

Step Four: Solid Food

With the soft food portion of your gastric bypass diet coming to an end, thanks to doctor’s orders, the time has come to begin eating solid food again – slowly and carefully. It is still recommended to avoid spicy or crunchy foods. Using caution and eating slowly will ensure there are no setbacks or complications with your gastric bypass surgery.

Solid food does not include everything you used to enjoy. It is important to use good common sense and make safe, nutritious choices. Foods to avoid should include the following: popcorn, nuts, seeds, granola, tough or dry meat, breads, carbonated beverages, and stringy fibrous vegetables (including broccoli, corn, cabbage, and celery) as these are prone to causing several gastrointestinal problems.

 

Some additional things to consider as you form new habits and your body heals:

  • Eat several small meals per day – slowly
  • Meals should be the equivalent to one-half cup servings
  • Stay hydrated with liquids throughout the day rather than during meals
  • Take a daily vitamin supplement and calcium, at the doctor’s request
  • Drink plenty of water each day
  • Avoid foods that are high in sugar or fat including items such as candy bars, ice cream, and soda
  • Avoid fried foods entirely
  • Choose high protein options whenever possible. These foods will help heal wounds, regrow muscle and skin, and even prevent hair loss.

 

Some high protein foods include lean cuts of pork, beef, fish, chicken, or beans and are wonderful for your new diet. Other sources of protein can be found in the dairy group with items such as low-fat cottage cheese and yogurt.

Thanksgiving Roadmap

How to: Strategize your Thanksgiving Day to minimize Binge Eating and Over-eating

Gastric Bypass Thanksgiving

Nutrients from Food After Gastric Bypass Surgery

More people in the U.S. are suffering from obesity and many are choosing gastric bypass surgery in order to quickly lose weight.  This procedure produces results much faster than is possible with the standard low-calorie diet and exercise routine.  Aside from the risks inherent in any surgical procedure, there is the risk of the patient suffering from nutrient deficiencies over the long term, which can be life threatening.

With gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is only able to accommodate 1 – 2 tablespoons of food.  Furthermore the area of the stomach and upper part of the small intestine, the duodenum, may be bypassed and this is an important area for the absorption of nutrients.  So without this part of the stomach, the patient’s intake of micronutrients is severely diminished and it will be necessary to take vitamins and minerals in the form of supplementation after surgery.

Vitamins & Minerals for Gastric Bypass

Bariatric Vitamins
Gastric Bypass Nutrient Absorption

The other factors causing the malabsorption of nutrients is the amount of hydrochloric acid, which is needed to absorb calcium and iron, and an intrinsic factor required for absorbing vitamin B12 is greatly reduced due to the diminished size of the stomach.  These vitamins and minerals need an acidic environment in order to be absorbed, which no longer exists without gastric acid, so supplementation is necessary.  So the acidic form of calcium, calcium citrate works best and 500 mg elemental calcium three times a day is recommended.  Calcium an iron should be taken separately to avoid interfering with each other.  After the surgery the foods containing vitamin B12 no longer mix with gastric acid, which is also required for B12 to be absorbed.  It is recommended that Vitamin B12 be taken in a sublingual form or by injection directly into the muscle.

Thiamin, folate, zinc, selenium, chromium and other vitamin and minerals have trouble with absorption and can be taken in the form of supplements or by way of injection.  Vitamin A, B complex, B6, C, D, E, K, magnesium, electrolytes plus the nutrients mentioned above can also be administered via injection into the muscle or through IV directly into the bloodstream.  Please consult your MD for the best method for each and for you personally.

Nutritional Deficiencies form Gastric Bypass Can Cause:

  • Difficulty with concentration and thinking clearly
  • Sleep disorders
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Muscle go into spasm
  • Weakening of the bones – Osteoporosis
  • Bone pain or deformities in the bone
  • Hair loss
  • Thinning skin, dry skin or other skin conditions
  • Bleeding gums
  • Tooth decay or discoloration
  • Increased bruising and tendency to bleed
  • Anemia
  • Neurological issues
  • Nerve damage, feeling of pins and needles
  • Tongue swelling or soreness
  • Swollen legs
  • The edges of the mouth become cracked
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Weakening of immune system to fight off infections
  • Dehydration

The Advantages of Administering Nutrients through an IV

It is critical for gastric bypass patients to take nutritional supplements because deficiencies will progress and can cause life threatening risks to one’s health.  To be sure that the patient is getting the nutrients they need, intravenous administration is recommended.  With IV therapy high doses of vitamins and minerals can be easily delivered to the bloodstream where they will immediately be absorbed into the system. Specialty testing can be done to determine each patient’s nutrient deficiencies and the proper treatment for administering these nutrients.

A healthy well rounded diet must still be maintained as supplements cannot substitute for whole foods in the patient’s daily diet.